The Last of Us Behind the Scenes

Have you heard all of the wild stories that went into the making of the new HBO series The Last of Us? Based on the survival horror game franchise created by Naughty Dog, the series stars some iconic Game of Thrones alumni, including Bella Ramsay and Pedro Pascal. Pedro Pascal has also become a part of Star Wars history through his work on the Mandalorian for Disney+. And, believe it or not, that may have actually worked against him here, as he needed to ask The Walt Disney company for permission in order to work for a rival company. Not only that, but there were also some concerns that Joel’s relationship with Ellie may just be too comparable to the Mandalorian’s dynamic with Baby Yoda. Still, Pedro Pascal has said that he knew he wanted to work with Craig Mazin ever since he saw his work on the HBO miniseries Chernobyl. Bella Ramsey’s former Game of Thrones co-star Maisie Williams actually auditioned for the role of Ellie as well, but Neil Druckman felt that Bella Ramsey was perfect for the role. Several voice actors from the Last of Us game franchise will also be returning for the HBO series, including Merle Drandridge in the role of Marlene, Ashley Johnson, Troy Baker, and lastly, Misty Lee returns alongside Philip Kovats for the sounds of the Clickers. Troy Baker brings an extensive resume to the series, having previously provided voice work for franchises such as Batman and Marvel, while Ashley Johnson has even appeared in live action on the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the past!
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0:00 Intro
0:16 Car Ride
0:48 American Accent
1:17 First Impressions
1:56 Bella’s Hesitation
2:34 Chernobyl
3:07 Sarah
3:43 Merle Dandridge
4:11 Not a Gamer
4:37 Recreating Locations
5:14 Mandalorian
6:02 Clickers’ Voices
6:49 Ashley & Troy
7:25 Home Bonds
7:55 Outro
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Written by: Kira Kenn
Narrated by: Kydra
Edited by: Joe Mordo
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[@trinaq]

This show is already iconic, straight out of the gate. The performances, writing, editing and direction are all so praiseworthy! 😍👏🏾

[@chaseandbolt]

the game was great but the changes they made in the show changes everything

[@harshimol1555]

@@chaseandbolt please stop making a huge deal about the actors.

[@chaseandbolt]

@@harshimol1555 I'm not making a huge deal I think the show is great I am enjoying it

[@Fizzure3000]

@@harshimol1555 Are people not allowed to have critisism? Are people not allowed to have an opinion because you don't like it? Shut the fuck up

[@danielcernoch9632]

okay. name one performance or writing piece what is praiseworthy.

[@NinToby]

Knowing she almost turned down the role because she was scared of being famous makes all the hate she’s getting that much worse. Imagine you step way out of your comfort zone and land your first lead role in something just to have a bunch of creepy gamers bashing you for “not being as cute” as the 14 year old video game counterpart. It’s sickening

[@cam.4599]

I know I've played the game and when I saw here as Ellie all I could think about is how perfect she is for the role

[@Bakedcakeyyy]

Honestly though. I love her as Ellie. She might not look like the game Ellie but when I saw her very first scene in the show, I immediately felt like she embodied Ellie perfectly!

[@negatron5514]

@@oguzhanvural4181 did you not watch the video? wtf

[@cindyalvarado2949]

Agree

[@BlackThistleTattoo]

She has the character, mannerisms and attitude down to a T, the bratty smart arse that Ellie is, is played perfectly by Bella. The sene where she jokes about turning, twitching her body is great and humorous. Bella for the Win she is perfect, fk’dem cheato eating obese haters

[@CommonSenseRevolution]

I think HBO has done a fantastic job. Pedro and Bella are very convincing in their portrayals of Joel and Ellie. The sets and scenery are amazing, and the creature special effects are very well done. While I did not actually play the game, I watched hundreds of hours of gameplay and story and HBO has nailed it.

[@davidglenn2739]

You watched hundreds of hours of a game?

[@CommonSenseRevolution]

@@davidglenn2739 Yeah, apparently some players who knew how to progress thru the storyline and bring up cut scenes recorded it all. Many of those KZbin vids were 4 hours long.

[@chaaaargh]

i'm in a similar boat lol, not much of a gamer so i've never actually played tlou. but i used to love watching gameplays of it so seeing the story brought to live action now is so cool 😅

[@mrf9893]

@@CommonSenseRevolution 200 hours means you watched the full game 20 times, don't lie

[@CommonSenseRevolution]

@@mrf9893 Thank you for 'correcting' me. I'm glad KZbin comment-police like you are always on the job bacause actually having a real life wouldn't work so well for you. Thank you for your service!

[@dsgp7835]

The days of Bella Ramsey not being noticed is over. She one of the best actors there is and only going to get bigger. She is captivating.

[@MrCarpen7er]

Lol, no. Her acting sucks. She´s terrible.

[@EllenTheArtist]

I'm so happy for her. Even though she never wanted to be THIS famous, but I think she deserves to be recognised for her amazing talent.

[@andrewtripi9818]

your lying to ur self🤣 mayb she is but she isn’t a good fit for ellie at all play the game and youll see that

[@holly5356]

@@andrewtripi9818 she dosent have to look like her to be a good fit 💀

[@andrewgarfieldswife8734]

@@andrewtripi9818 she is honestly such a good fit. Personally, I prefer tv Ellie than game Ellie.

[@lordvenjix3757]

A video game adaptation worthy of seeing! It just goes to show what can happen when you follow the source material, bring on the same people responsible for the success of the game, pour your heart into it, and have the original creator take the helm. Every cast member has poured their heart and soul into their performances, making for a believable world that immerses you into their stories. Fans of the games will be hard pressed to find anything wrong with this show.HBO's The Last of Us respects not only the fans of the game, but newer audiences who are just now dipping in their toes for the first time.

[@AllThingsFilm1]

Having seen Bella Ramsay playing a young queen in Game of Thrones, I knew then that she deserves to have an excellent career. When I heard she was playing Ellie in the Last of Us series I thought, "Perfect". And both her and Pedro Pascal are proving to be the perfect choices for playing those characters. The series itself is brilliant and truly captures the game.

[@bryanb3352]

She's a terrible actor. She can make a total of two facial expressions.

[@teopunkd]

@@bryanb3352 even if she only had 2 facial expressions she still managed to give me goosebumps so many times in this show, so i'd say she's a great actress :)

[@jasgguevarra7842]

This is the comment that I am looking for

[@Furansurui]

her acting as Ellie is so freakin amazing, she really got her way of speech and acting,and everything is perfect. this is only live action that i have 0 disappointment

[@daphnejuwana1439]

When I first saw pedro pascal was playing as Joel, I immediately fell in love with it. He's such a great fit!!

[@shadowmarvel0737]

I love her as Ellie I never played the game but saw people play it and honestly I had no hate for this young women I watched the first episode when released and loved her immediately and she was hardly in it , iv seen such nasty comments about her on Instagram saying she should have never been cast well too bad she was all those haters need to get over themselves she's Ellie and her and Pedro are doing a fantastic job for this father and daughter relationship that's to come

[@alexsussarkis4946]

Same😭❤I'm so sick of people bullying her

[@shadowmarvel0737]

@@alexsussarkis4946 so am I it's going too far now there are more comments on how she looks it's just mean as someone who has received comments like that growing up it isn't a great confidence booster , she is the true Ellie and the haters can't do nothing about it that's why I'm trying to spread love on her in comment sections because she deserves to hear nice things being said about her work ❤️

[@chaseandbolt]

It's so sad naught dog did much worse in the Uncharted movie compared to the last of us

[@alexsussarkis4946]

@@chaseandbolt fr though 😭they didn't even take resources from the game they just did their own thing with the story for uncharted and I also love the uncharted games,wish they adapt a series on uncharted just like the last of us that they adapted so perfectly and I'm loving The last of us series

[@wawatone3392]

@@chaseandbolt duration wise,,, uncharted was adapted into a movie while this one is a serial,,

[@lisamccoy6514]

The show is amazing from the scenery to the mood music dialog all of it just bang on. Love this show. There is nothing like those Clicker noises to strike fear into my heart!!!

[@TheGameMasterREJ]

They were born for the role of Joel and Ellie! Specially Pedro, the resemblance of him to Joel is like you're watching the game character in real life. 💯👌🏻

[@mrjiggawatt]

The show is very well done. Every actor is fantastic so far.

[@susannah8342]

I love the acting and costumes for the Infected. It's so realistic which kinda makes it terrifying at the same time. I think the casting was done really well for this show so far!

[@priyamchakraborty7335]

Bella Ramsey is just slaying the role of Elle ....She is truly a gem, her acting skills is beyond description 🤍❤️

[@summer-roseknight]

It seems kind of poetic that Ashley might play the role of Anna (Ellie’s mother) when she voiced her in the game, whose role is now being filled by Bella Ramsey. I think that’s kinda cool.

[@lore1317]

As a show fan only I am absolutely blown away each time I learn how alike it is to the game, even the small things that were changed makes this show absolutely perfect along with what I’ve seen of the game. I’m so happy that the game fans are getting this adaptation, every game/book lover with a bad show ENVIES y’all right now. I absolutely love the show and would def play the game if I had a Play Station.

[@jaybaiddin5692]

this series is really good. I get so excited when there's a new episode. I always look forward to every episode of this series. The actors and the team behind this masterpiece are amazing! 👏🏻

[@Rhetzelle]

I don't know but the show is really great coming from someone who played this game 3 times. I don't get the hate the cast are receiving they really nailed it .... they don't have to look like them Bella just embodies Ellie's personality and that's what's important

[@mrwayne5158]

The gaming industry is huge, the more these people do adaptions of the games the more audience they will gain and have a big success.

[@frankthecat1671]

I agree, many games have an incredible base story line, creative and astonishing worlds and most importantly (at least from an economic point of view) big fanbases. As long as they keep as much attention to detail as The Last of Us does, they'll have huge success, probably more than even original stories.

[@frankthecat1671]

God of War, Elden Ring, Horizon Zero Dawn, Cyberpunk just to name a few. They'd all make amazing adaptions if done right

[@rickECU]

Having never even heard of the game, it is amazing that this series does a great job honoring and representing the video game but it also stands alone in its own right

[@aa4488]

Well if you aren’t even someone who games, it’s redundant saying you’ve never heard of the game. Anyone who has gamed on consoles would have heard of tlou…

[@DragoNerd137]

They did awesome, there's literally no other way to say, no negative ways anyway, just. AWSOME.

[@lyn2n]

Esta serie me ENAMORÓ instantáneamente. Habiendo ya jugado el juego, ame la similitud de los roles, la perfección en detalles de los escenarios , lo bien reducida que está para caber tanto en 1 sólo capitulo... Es simplemente PERFECTA

[@chr1s.c]

They all did an amazing job I really enjoyed it from start to finish can't wait for part 2

[@mariaf.1732]

I think I went to the trailer on youtube specifically to comment on the stunning magnificence of the first few episodes right after I first saw it, totally blown away and excited. In lieu of the disaster that was the cursed netflix adaptations/production, which I refuse to name - The Last of Us is such a breath of passion and masterfully crafted by all involved. I have no doubt that it'll go down in history as a beautiful piece of work which checks all the points expected by fans and critics alike, as well as the points we didn't think to ask for. It's simply thoroughly well made and thought out, and the show reflects that brilliantly.

[@GustonExE]

I think Sarah have a stronger personnality in the movie than in the game

[@LifeisaBeautifulting]

I wasn't bothered by Sarah looking slightly different from the game version but I was bothered by this. It would make more sense since Sarah and Ellie are supposed to be similar

[@aa4488]

@@LifeisaBeautifultingplease write that again, it made no sense and I wanna understand you

[@LifeisaBeautifulting]

@@aa4488 I edited my comment

[@princeking1562]

Pedro going to be legendary he about to play babysitter in every show he stars in 🤣😂.

[@RayneSaltair]

I haven't played the game because I don't own a PS, but I did watch numerous LPs and drooled. Now that I've seen some of the show I complained to my bf that I really wish I had the proper platform. He found out it's going to be released for PC in March 2023. So next month I'm def buying it.

[@tomf429]

Of the hundreds of channels and streaming options, this is the only show that I look forward to watching. Bella is amazing.

[@agitatedzone]

so Ellie...is baby Yoda

[@blackcrowvol2281]

Yup🤣

[@BlackThistleTattoo]

No no no Don’t get it twisted folks, baby aliens and teenage apocalyptic, thrown in the deep end girls are totally a spectrum apart, not even in the same ball park.

[@nishant5655]

😂😂

[@xnavigation777]

watched ep 6 last night, its phenomenal. every episode you can really see that she’s ellie williams.

[@musicislife2106]

I played the game after watching the show, and I found it so captivating to see just how similar to the game it was, but also the fact that it was just different enough that it didn't feel exactly the same. I cannot wait for season 2

[@loafdecle6869]

I feel like there was room for so much more raw emotion in this live action re make of the game, I have completed the game but from what I have played I did get much emotion across ( that could be bc of the de-attachment to games and real life though ) but in the Series I've cried ( ugly sobbed ) every episode. I think all the choices there making for this series is the right ones and there giving it so much emotion ( Actors, directors and EVRONE on set and everyone editing ) There isn't enough words to describe how amazing there doing so far in the series and I cant wait to continue to watch it. This serious is such a complex thing when you dive more deeply ( not just considering it came from a game ) when you take into the different cut seems it really dose shed light on how much goes into making serious that are good and stay true to the game line.

[@PhoenyxTTV]

genuinely one of the BEST shows I have ever watched.

[@TrampMachine]

To all the people who say shit like, "people will never be happy with a video game adaptation". This is what a video game adaptation looks like in live action. They changed some things, they recast some characters looks but they did it all with care for the story and in ways that add to the story. I was beginning to think Hollywood had no talent left guess I was wrong.

[@mischarowe]

It was definitely a pleasant surprise. Here's hoping that adaptations, from this moment on, take a leaf out of their book.

[@souravkumarpandey3583]

Wow 😲😲😲 eagerly waiting for series.

[@jazc3112]

I’m not a gamer either but when I saw that Bella was playing Ellie and Pedro Joel, I said hell yeah I’m watching ! I’m trying to get my hands on the game now 😅

[@lesliebrewer7770]

These games are iconic Pedro & Bella are fantastic as Joel & Ellie & the sets are true to the game brilliant

[@NatalLearner345]

this was so good. love it

[@clairichu4467]

I love the last of us, big fan. They did a very good, great, and amazing job!!! All of acting are brilliant! They are so talented, and the bg, prop, and fungus, Holly Molly, SOOOOO GOOD!! Ellie and Joel acting is more than The last of us fan could ask for ;w;. Keep making this amazing job!

[@T1k3mys0n]

The show did a great job, they have differences but the key events are there, there are so many exact scenes and dialogues as well.

[@yammyguy78]

I just have to low-key flex that where I work was one of the filming locations for the Colorado University scenes in Ep. 6. Walking into work seeing the slow changes of the area was quite neat.

[@lordvenjix3757]

Amazing video 👌

[@snenhlanhlankutha1340]

“How am I gonna text a 17 year old?” Lol I wish Leo DiCaprio had the same problem 🥲

[@mischarowe]

😂🤣😅

[@mikelai9897]

This is the best live action series of a video game. Hands down

[@Ray-qh9cm]

I love these 2 dynamic duos but for Bella, she is just amazing! Sometimes I forget Bella is an English actor with very bold English accent 😄

[@raihanlee9571]

This might be the best video game adaptation.

[@babyodacooldudeya]

I can’t even imagine Bella not playing the last of us, she was so amazing! She deserves a Oscar 😅

[@Gracelleisokay]

THEY deserve an oscar

[@nannakaz]

@@GracelleisokayBella uses she/they/he lmao

[@blackcrowvol2281]

Love this series! The actors are fantastic!😁

[@jadebrior2400]

Amazing, artistically beautiful, emotional and just love how well Ellie fits her character and how Joel looks like video game Joel. I literally am in love with Bellas performance because it's like I'm watching video game Ellie and Joel. It's just so perfect. Also love Marlene and Tess was good too. Can't forget Tommy and Sarah. And I'm glad they showed the start from Sarah's perspective it really makes you build a relationship with that character. And I love dystopia type vibes. I can't wait to see where this goes and will definitely watch game of thrones to check out Bella and Pedro's performances. Cathleen also did a great job. She was terrifying and had her own views. Makes me wanna rewatch the gameplay for it. Keep up the great work. I've always wanted to act so to see it makes me happy. Maybe a lil jealous but yeah love it. Screams perfect perfect perfect. Also episode 3 as a gay person made me fall deeper in love with the show. And I cried a lot so far. But if a show makes me emotional it means it's an amazingly made show.

[@luissuarez-ie3jd]

holly shit i can say both guy doing really well as a joel n ellie...., i can feel something on this television series...

[@lolilo2759]

I think they did amazing and I’m sO SO glad they didn’t ruin the video game adaptation as which mostly happens when people try to do it

[@pixusphotographic]

Both the games and the series are fantastic.

[@maria-zk1fd]

the casting was perfecttt

[@BrittanyMarie27]

She's such a good actor. She plays Ellie so well. Couldn't have picked a better Person

[@Gracelleisokay]

They them or he him please be respectful

[@dustinhuiting]

Thank God they allowed Pedro to play Joel. I can't imagine anyone else. I hope the move him into season 2 even if it's flashbacks

[@ramandaputra2641]

nice explanations!

[@lilydeboda6969]

The scene where Ellie, Joal and Tess get to the capital building was filmed in Edmonton at the Legislature. As an Edmontonian, after my sister pointed it out that it was in fact the Legislature, I can’t under it heh

[@lynday]

Yeah, that was cool. There were also parts filmed in Calgary (where I live) that I recognized in the film. It's nice to see so many parts of Alberta, Canada in this first season.

[@blazbohinc4964]

Oh my god why is she narrating what I'm listening to???? I HAVE HEALTHY BRAIN AND EARS THANK YOU

[@STARKILLER15100]

“How am I going to text a 17 year old?” 😂😂

[@marahcabido6105]

Thank you for this movie I’ve been waiting for so long this gameplay to become a movie! It’s almost a year .And good to hear it its free to watch🎉❤ -junji quijano fuentes jr

[@richardtheking1218]

Best channel ever

[@amandagough3602]

I’m wach it now and it fill like I’m playing it crazy

[@d3fnot_s]

I love Bella so much, I feel like a proud parent knowing I used to watch him when he was in the worst witch lol

[@robertparker1767]

The last of Us the TV show looks pretty darn close to the video I'm on the 25th chapter of The last of Us One I really love what they did to a TV show as they made the video game come to life I want you thank you for that you guys did an awesome job

[@debdixon8558]

amazingly,l It got me back too playing game again ^^

[@quahmeilrobinson7953]

I love the actors

[@MoonChild805_]

Honestly, I first doubted Bella as Ellie. Gosh I was so wrong. I think she and Pedro did an amazing job. The acting is on point. All in all such an amazing show.

[@polishgarnek]

Not only it's recereating but adding to it It never felt crappy or not immersive which is super common with recreations like this, no monster felt fake Amzing production Just The acting and plot is a preferece but I think most people enjoy it like me

[@thatgamer3129]

Fantastic all I can say

[@bluesy1234]

Played the game 10 years ago when it first came out for the PS3. I loved it but 10 years later as I watched the first 9 episodes through I couldn't remember a lot of the scenes. Decided to buy the updated version of the game and play it again. (probably something a few people were counting on) I couldn't believe how many scenes and dialogue from the game had been faithfully transferred over to the series. The game is even better than I remembered and the series is great.

[@larrywilliams7760]

Best series based on a video game hands down

[@evie6594]

Ellie is perfect for that role honestly amazing

[@nadiacusan3799]

never played the game but love the show i started watching because of pedrp pascal

[@jadefaderanga]

I love the show. Looking forward to season 2

[@Tommyy729]

Isabella is just so amazing. I love they sm.

[@maximusthemartian8897]

awesome team!

[@aj4ever38]

Love it Love it Love it 10 out of 10 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@mattruffino6720]

Excellent bio of the show. U honored it wrll

[@DuaneTanTC]

So alike!, good work HBO

[@Kor3Gaming_Ghost]

i love the hbo series they really pull it off tbh

[@lambz.]

i think considering how many people enjoy the show and havent seen a single thing of the game (like myself), i think it’ll bring more people into enjoying the game itself when the show ends

[@godzuks]

casting spot on

[@jeannetteguerrero9071]

This series is going to have one of the best times of 2023 with new and very good actors and they are going to steal our hearts with their characters and based on a game it is the best I don't remember the game well because I was young when I played it but I love it all the actors, the adaptations, the music, etc. The design of the infected is very well done.😍🤩🤯🎥🎬🎞🎸🎹🎻❤. Postscript: It will make the series with the most awards that can be in 2023.

[@jayt4027]

luckily I haven't played the game yet so I get to watch the show blind, the game comes out on pc next month and I'm gonna play it then but I wanna watch the whole show before I play it.

[@ykmiguel4029]

the sarah part i love because her scenes were very short

[@974shobin]

I am glad it works well for the fans of the game. From an outsider perspective, I am a sucker for this show and I want to play the game so bad now! It wasn't the case at all when Uncharted came out!

[@iwaktery]

best video game adaptation ever

[@Jeremycool562]

Bella is an incredible actress.

[@michaelbisin7904]

Bella looks a lot like Ashley though, the voice actor of Ellie.

[@Juliet_533]

That's crazy I though the same on that last episode at first I didn't know that was Ashley and I told my 12 year old that that pregnant woman was probably the real mother of Bella and then the voice is what gave it away I told my son that that pregnant woman's voice sounded like the real ellie and at the end of the episode when they reveal that was the real ellie I was like "I fucking knew it"

[@caseydonners9220]

It’s so funny to me because when I had first realized Pedro was playing Joel (my mom wanted to watch it with me and she told me to blind react since she knows I love Pedro from Mando and other movies) I was so happy and excited to see this man play yet another amazing and beloved character and mind you I’ve only seen my brother play the game a few times or watched CoryxKenshin play like one video but seeing him with Ellie made me actually laugh out loud!! This guys always stuck protecting children that aren’t his and taking them in as his own😂😂

[@iainarmstrong2669]

Bella is so fantastic in this as is Pedro ❤️

[@aydenballard9774]

Honestly I think the show was spot on.they added some stuff to make it a lot better butt I loved the show

[@LoomisPC]

Pedro, Bella (perfect(, sets and the effects are great. There's a lot that's lacking too, so I'll give it a 7,5/10 as for now.

[@markissboi3583]

Good adventre series . enjoyed it alot

[@MrScott3060]

I have played the game several times. Yes I said it I played several times because I LOVE it. The casting for this series was perfect! Bella has Ely's attitude down perfect and I dont think anyone could be Joe like Pedro has done it!! I can only hope there is another season!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Would love to see Last of us 2 with Abby?

[@urlocalguapo]

1:30 that is a sickass costume

[@princessnarcottv]

I've been practicing my clicker voice for ages it works for like a min but then I kinda sound like an injured crow 🙃

[@user-pp8mq7wn6n]

Pedro cool!!!

[@alirezahosseini9227]

Very good 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@shakesfirst2443]

Merle Dandridge was acting on a studio set when she was in the game, she wasn't only a voice actor. Naughty Dog Games uses motion capture for any parts that they can so the actors spend a lot of their time acting on sets, not just in a sound booth.